Theater Review: Camelot

by Shawn Parikh

The problem with Camelot is that it hams … a lot.

The problem with Camelot is that it hams … a lot. I have tried to chew on the show for a several days trying to see if there was anything I really took from it. But no, it was overly flat.

It was the classic story about Guenevere’s turmoil of loving King Arthur and Lancelot. But following the love story was a little difficult because I missed crucial moments in the play. For example, we never experience Guenevere and Lancelot falling in love or how King Arthur found out about their attraction. And the press release had stated that this show was a “daring” and “edgy” adaptation of the show. Well, it dared to test the edge of my patience to see how long I could sit still, but in the end, I ended up crying tears of boredom and fidgeting so much that the elderly lady in front of me (who I named Madge) snapped at me.

Technical aspects did nothing to add spectacle, except for one scene/song when the ensemble danced and the costumes actually had color. Most of the time, the scenes were filled with too much dialogue against a 2-dimensional backdrop, and then two characters would sing to each other lovingly.

With Michael York headlining, you expect a powerful King Arthur. Instead, you get a dainty Arthur who is constantly overacting and over-gesturing, trying to portray youthfulness, but he ends up being so mechanical and has little stage presence. And is it just me, or is it jarring to have a powerful king break out into song?

James Barbour, who played Lancelot, had a rich singing voice and a powerful presence, but the chemistry between him in Guenevere was barely there. He had an interesting take on the character and added a little flavor to the show, but he barely had any stage time.

Truly, nothing about the show was gripping, except for Guenevere’s voice and charisma, portrayed by Rachel York. She surpassed the material, and I could only imagine what she could have done with a good script.

Walking in, audience members were mentioning how they hoped this was better than Wonderful Town, which I happened to enjoy because at least it had catchy songs, color, and great dance numbers. Instead, the whole show seems like a blur since there is not one song or scene that really stood out.

The show plays until Sunday, June 3 and tickets can be purchased online or by calling 214-631-ARTS.

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